Botox Reduces Facial Scarring

Botox injections can help facial wounds heal with less scarring, a small study finds.

"This is the first medication found to minimize scarring," senior author Dr. David Sherris, professor and chair of the department of otolaryngology at the University at Buffalo, said in a prepared statement.

His team published the study in the August issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

The study included 31 patients who suffered wounds to the forehead or had surgery to remove skin cancers from the forehead, an area that's particularly susceptible to scarring. The patients received either an injection of Botox or saline within 24 hours after wound closure.

Photographs were taken at the time the patients received the injections and again six months later. The photographs were reviewed by two facial plastic surgeons who weren't involved in the study. They rated the patients' wound healing on a scale of zero to 10, with 10 representing the best result. The two surgeons' scores were averaged to reach a final score for each patient.

The median scores for wounds injected with Botox were 8.9, compared to 7.1 for wounds injected with saline.

"The result is of substantial interest in the field of scar treatment. When a wound occurs, especially on the face, people are always worried about the scar. We can now try to improve scars with these injections," Sherris said.

The study was funded by a clinical research grant from the Mayo Clinic.

HealthDay News, August 24, 2006

Minnesota Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic Opens

Trillia, a new cosmetic dermatology clinic—launched by Dermatology Specialists, P.A.—provides first-class clinical care in a comfortable spalike environment in Edina, MN. 952-927-7793

Murad Medical Spa Hosts SELF Magazine

Murad Skin Research Labs Inc.
The Murad Medical Spa was chosen as the site of SELF magazine’s Be Good to YourSELF Day. Attendees received a complimentary spa treatment of choice, a product of choice, and a gift bag containing Murad topical and internal skin care products. 
        In other news, London Times magazine featured the research of CEO and founder Howard Murad, MD, in a four-page spread on how to combat cellulite. 800-336-8723, askdrmurad@murad.com

California Introduces Restrictive Senate Bill for Esthetic Practices

The California Senate has introduced Senate Bill 1423, which will restrict registered nurses, physician assistants and physicians who have esthetic practices from using laser and IPL systems. In addition, Massachusetts, Georgia and North Carolina are considering similar bills.

Spa-Goers Focus on Cosmeceutical Treatments

According to “Cosmeceuticals in the U.S.,” a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, American spa-goers have turned their attention from injectables to cosmeceutical treatments. Sales of products such as anti-wrinkle creams and home facial peel kits jumped 7% last year to more than $13.3 billion. Projections estimate that the cosmeceuticals market will surpass $17 billion in 2010, growing a total of 29.4% between 2005 and 2010.

Proposed Florida Bills Muddy Waters and Limit Medical Spa Supervision

Florida's House Bill 699 and Senate Bill 1216 raise questions regarding the use and governance of "aesthetic skin care services" and that suggest that physician supervision only can be a board-certified or board-eligible dermatologist (BC/BE) or plastic surgeon.

The use of similar terminology by this proposed bill is causing confusion, and implies that advanced practice nurses and physicians assistants be able to provide "aesthetic skin care services" services to the public.

The other matter of concern is the restriction of providing supervision of facilities by only a BC/BE dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The impact on facilities seems clear--no longer will a non-derm/non-plastic surgeon be able to act as a "medical director" or provide "supervision" for health care licensees. The implications if this bill is passed will greatly affect how facilities under "medical jurisdiction" or "medical spas" may operate.

The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) has asked that the Florida Board of Cosmetology look into this use of similar terminology of skin care services. For concerned members that operate or will operate faciilites in the state of Florida that require medical supervision provided by someone other than a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, then you should follow-up on that portion of the bill's language.

Below is information on how to contact the Florida State Board of Cosmetology to make your voice heard.

Florida Board of Cosmetology
1940 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-487-1395
callcenter@dbpr.state.fl.us
www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/cos_index.shtml

Cosmetic Surgery in the United States on the Rise

Cosmetic surgery continues to rise in the U.S.

Murad Medical Spa Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Murad Medical Spa recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of serving the health and beauty industry. CEO and founder Howard Murad, MD, commemorated the event by hosting an anniversary gala to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 800-336-8723, askdrmurad@murad.com